Ministry of Tribal Affairs
President Smt. Droupadi Murmu interacts with women at Mahila SHGs Sammelan organised by TRIFED, under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, in Khunti, Jharkhand today
Governor Shri CP Radhakrishnan, Shri Arjun Munda, Smt. Renuka Singh Saruta, and Shri Hemant Soren, graced the grand occasion
Interaction centred on livelihood and health for tribal women in Self Help Groups across Jharkhand
Key Highlights:
- Live demonstrations of tribal arts and crafts, craft- wise display of tribal products and VDVK stalls set up through TRIFED, NSTFDC and other Ministries/Departments of Government of India
- NSTFDC, NSIC, NIESBUD, Skill Sector Council , Department of Posts and Ministry of MSME set up various stalls
- Around 25,000-30,000 tribals participate with full fervour
- Awareness generation on SCD, TB and Malaria undertaken through a booth of the Tribal Health Cell of the Ministry of Tribal Affairs; screening for Sickle Cell Disease/Trait was also conducted in the Health Corner
President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, interacted with Women SHG members at the Mahila SHGs Sammelan organised by the Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India  and the National Scheduled Tribes Finance and Development Corporation , under the aegis of the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, held at the Birsa Munda College Stadium in Khunti District of Jharkhand today.
On the grand occasion, dignitaries including the Governor of Jharkhand, Shri C.P. Radhakrishnan, Union Minister of Tribal Affairs, Shri Arjun Munda, Union Minister of State for Tribal Affairs, Smt. Renuka Singh Saruta, Chief Minister of Jharkhand, Shri Hemant Soren, participated in the programme.
In the programme, the President received a warm welcome with mementoes curated by tribal artisans, women SHGs and PVTGs by Union Minister of Tribal Affairs, Shri Arjun Munda.
The President visited the Live Demo booths and the enclosures of stalls that the various Women SHGs members had set up. Maximum stalls were of VDVKs .
Addressing the gathering, the President expressed her happiness in visiting the land of Bhagwan Birsa Munda. She also said, “Being a woman or being born in a tribal society is not a disadvantage”. She shared that there are countless inspiring examples of the contribution of women in our country and that women have made invaluable contributions in social reform, politics, economy, education, science and research, business, sports and military forces and many other fields. She added that for becoming successful in any field, it is very important that they recognize their talent and do not judge themselves on the scale of others. She urged women to awaken the infinite power that is within them.
The President also noted the importance of the social and economic facets of women's empowerment. She asserted that Jharkhand's diligent sisters and daughters can significantly boost both the state's economy and the growth of the entire nation. She advised them to take advantage of the various schemes of Government and utilize their skill and potential to progress in life with confidence.
The President claimed that Jharkhand's rural economy is powered by women. Therefore, it is crucial to link more and more women in Jharkhand with self-help groups and to give jobs through the development of their skills. She expressed optimism that women will learn more about their rights and the numerous government programmes aimed at serving their interests through this Conference.
She also noted that the tribal society is free of the social evil of dowry. Further, there are other ways in which the rest of the society can learn from the tribal society. Therefore, the tribal society, according to the President, offers perfect models in a variety of areas.
Union Minister of Tribal Affairs, Shri Arjun Munda, said, “The Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India  and the National Scheduled Tribes Finance and Development Corporation , under the aegis of the Ministry of Tribal Affairs have shown their unwavering commitment to improve the lives of tribal people in every part of the country through Continuous performance. We are dedicated to fostering a society where individuals from all backgrounds can reach their full potential and develop holistically.”
He further added, “Our government is running several programs for the economic and social development of the tribal society for their education, health, and livelihood. To augment the income of tribal families, we are providing them both credit and marketing facilities through TRIFED and NSTFDC. Along with this, to enhance their skills, training and enterprise development programs are being run to strengthen their entrepreneurship.”
Additionally, he said, “Our government is steadfast in its commitment towards the overall development of tribal women entrepreneurs and this women SHG convention is a shining testimony of this dedication.” He noted that the aspect of livelihood is intricately connected to the history of land ownership and revenue in the District since the British period after the rebellion by Bhagwan Birsa Munda. The subject of tribal livelihood, therefore, serves as a platform for knowledge sharing and discussion on important topics such as land rights, forest rights, access to capital and markets, and the benefits of bulk production. He added “I am honoured to welcome the President of India as our chief guest today, as her presence here reflects the importance our government places on the progress of local and tribal communities.”
The Governor of Jharkhand, Shri CP Radhakrishnan remarked, “The presence of tribal sisters in Jharkhand in self-help groups  has had a significant impact on their social and economic status. They actively participate in agricultural and horticultural activities, poultry and goat farming, and micro and small industries. Many welfare schemes of the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, under the guidance of Shri Arjun Munda, Union Minister of Tribal Affairs, are in operation, but it is important to pay special attention to the effective implementation of these schemes. Earlier, the Hon'ble President Madam interacted with the people of PVTGs at Raj Bhavan, marking a historic event and the first of its kind.”
Shri Hemant Soren, Chief Minister of Jharkhand, said “Ever since Cabinet Minister, Shri Arjun Munda took charge in the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, there has been activity in TRIFED here. I hope that Jharkhand will continue to get its benefits.
Displays at the event included Craft- wise Display of Tribal products, Demonstration of Craft, Promotion of Lac Cultivation by Indian Institute of Natural Resins and Gums , Stalls of NSTFDC, NSIC, NIESBUD, Skill Sector Council , D/o Posts and M/o MSME.
Awareness generation on SCD, TB and Malaria undertaken through a booth of the Tribal Health Cell of the Ministry of Tribal Affairs; screening for Sickle Cell Disease/Trait was also conducted in the Health Corner
Thousands of tribal women members of SHGs/Van Dhan Vikas Kendras took part in the event enthusiastically.